Tour Pixar Studios With Me – See Where Cars 3 Was Made #Cars3Event

I received an all expense paid trip from Disney to attend the #Cars3Event. The opinions expressed here are my own. No monetary compensation was received. #ABCTVEvent #PuppyDogPalsEvent #TheToyBox #BornInChina

I recently traveled to San Francisco for the Cars 3 Event, which was a press trip full of amazing experiences. During this trip, we visited Pixar Studios, which is a closed campus, not normally offering tours to the public.

Pixar Studios is home to many films, including Finding Dory, Brave, Monsters Inc., and Cars 3. It was exciting to get behind the magic, where I learned 5 fun things about Pixar Studios:

The Iconic Pixar Lamp and BallAs soon as we walked up, the first thing my eyes spotted was Luxo Jr., the iconic Pixar lamp! (Yes, it’s a real thing, and it even lights up at night!)

And not to be outdone, next to the lamp is the Pixar ball that you have seen in many Pixar films! The entire display leaves you in awe – and greets employees as they walk into the Steve Jobs building.

The Steve Jobs BuildingThe Steve Jobs Building is named after the man who overlooked the design of the studio and helped shape Pixar into what it is today. And there is so much thought put into the entire building. For one, the campus is a reflection of your brain: the creative team is on the right and the technical team is on the left. In the center? You’ll find a collaboration area where the entire team is encouraged to come together as a central being. It’s truly fascinating.

Prized Possessions
Many of Pixar’s awards are housed inside the Steve Jobs building. I could stare at these awards for days, and never get tired of them! But while gleaming at the awards in the cabinet, I noticed an old, worn out Woody doll, honored to be sitting in the cabinet among the trophies. You could tell this doll was once loved upon very much, and he was sitting next to a letter, addressed to Pixar’s chief creative officer, John Lasseter. The letter was from a cast member at Walt Disney World:

“On June 18, 2010 we had a young child about 6-year-old by the name of Caleb come into City Hall at Magic Kingdom Park. He brought us his well played with Woody doll. You see, his parents bought him a new one and he wanted his first one to have a great new home and to spend infinity and beyond with Buzz Lightyear. We felt it was appropriate to share him with you. As you can tell, he has been loved very much over the years. Thank you for giving everyone great characters that have heart.”

And, if you happen to find Woody not in the award case, it’s because he is out with Lasseter, accompanying him on a speaking engagement. That’s what I love about Pixar!

Trust To Get The Job Done
While walking outside, we learned that Pixar gives their employees the amenities and freedom to do what they need to do, in order to get the job done with their best interest. Let me explain: imagine a workspace providing a basketball court, a swimming pool, hammocks and benches under trees. When the creative minds at Pixar need a break or change of scenery, they can head out for a swim, throw a few hoops or relax in the hammock. They can take their laptop outside to work or meet their spouse for lunch under the trees. Sounds amazing, right? I look at it as responsible (and happy) employees who have earned the trust of their superiors. That says a lot about a company! (*Side note: Around Pixar Studios, you will also see rose bushes planted around the perimeter, with the hopes that employees cut a fresh flower for their desk!)

Pixar Easter EggsWhen inside Pixar Studios, you will recognize characters around each corner. From The Incredibles to Mike and Sully to Piper from a Pixar short, you never know who you will run into on your way to the restroom.

But there are some characters who might not be so easy to spot. Mixed among the studio floor, if you look carefully, you will find Pixar characters embedded in the granite. Can you identify these friends?

After seeing where the Pixar magic happens, I’m even more excited for Cars 3 to hit theaters on June 16th! Check out the latest trailer: